Category Archives: Getaways!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., (November 5, 2015) – On the eve of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show’s official opening, MarineMax held a special press event where MarineMax executives expressed their optimism that the industry is expanding and continues to have a bright financial future moving forward.

“All of us at MarineMax are feeling good about the recreational marine industry’s performance in the 2015 model year and are excited about the prospects as we begin the 2016 model year,” extolled Bill McGill, MarineMax President, CEO and Chairman.

After addressing the state of the industry, Bill McGill and Chuck Cashman, Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing and Manufacturer Relations, detailed their plans for MarineMax growth continuing as the world’s largest and most trusted boating retailer.

“We all believe in Bill’s mantra, ‘boating changes people’s lives,’” said Cashman. “And the company was built around the goal of making boating more accessible and as hassle free as possible. We don’t sell boats; we are in the business of selling boating.”

Cashman also announced that MarineMax has launched a new website, www.marinemaxyachts.com. MarineMax recognized an underserved segment of their customers, yachting enthusiasts. They have taken this opportunity to launch an exclusive online experience for them. The site features MarineMax brands and models 50 feet or more and a unique online environment customized for the yacht buyer. Cashman went on to describe MarineMax’s exceptional yachting services including a dedicated concierge service, premier yacht sales centers and certified yacht service centers staffed by industry veterans and factory trained technicians.

“MarineMax has intentionally aligned with the top brands including Sea Ray L-Class,” said Cashman. “We are also the exclusive North American Azimut dealer and the official Ocean Alexander dealer from Texas to the Atlantic coast. In addition MarineMax offers Hatteras Yachts in several key markets. We are proud to represent these iconic brands.”

In addition MarineMax stages private yacht owner rendezvous, excursions and parties throughout the year that are up-scale and elegant experiences exclusively for MarineMax yacht owners.

McGill explained that MarineMax’s relationship with their clients only begins with offering the top brands in their class, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Ocean Alexander, Azimut, Hatteras, Scout and others. It is the MarineMax Advantages that create a superior total ownership experience. All MarineMax boats are delivered with a full tank of fuel, a Go Boating Kit complete with all the U.S.C.G. safety gear, lines and an Owner Orientation. Each local MarineMax also offers continuing boater education and the largest service network in the industry.

“What really keeps our customers excited is the MarineMax Getaways!® program,” offered McGill. “They are fully organized opportunities for our customers to use their boats. Whether a day trip to a local sandbar or weeks long excursions to amazing destinations, Getaways! allow our owners to experience their boats at a totally new level.”

MarineMax Vacations has been named BEST BVI YACHT CHARTER COMPANY in the 2015 Virgin Islands Property & Yacht Reader’s Choice Awards.Of the 13 charter companies nominated for this award, MarineMax Vacations is the youngest charter yacht company in the BVI, introducing the first fleet of pure-bred custom Power Cats to the market

“We are very excited to be awarded this designation after just four years of delivering our first charter. Having a commitment to deliver an exceptional charter experience to every guest not only with our award-winning innovative yachts, but also with our personal service to every guest has been our driving force since inception. ” said Raul Bermudez, Vice President of MarineMax Vacations. “We are not the oldest or the largest charter company in the BVI, so it is a tremendous honor to be recognized as the BEST BVI Charter Yacht Company this year among the respected companies we were up against.”

The Awards, commencing in June with nominations and moving to voting from July to September, have become the go-to guide of the most talented people, best places, and excellent services in the British Virgin Islands.

The 2015 Awards is the 5th Annual Virgin Island Property & Yacht Reader’s Choice Awards and generated record-setting numbers this year. “The popularity of this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards is a reflection of the extensive reach, engagement and response that the magazine generates. The voting numbers were staggering,” said Erin Paviour-Smith, Account Manager for Virgin Islands Property & Yacht.

This blog is created by MarineMax, the nation’s largest and most trusted recreational boat and yacht retailer. To further explore MarineMax and our full lineup of premium boat brands or find a store near you, visit our full website at www.MarineMax.com.

On Thursday, January 29, 2015 more than 60 Azimut owners descended on to Key West to attend the 2nd Annual Southernmost Azimut Rendezvous. Many arrived on their Azimut yachts and a few chose to arrive by air. The Azimut and MarineMax team welcomed the attendees at a reception at Dante’s Restaurant and Raw Bar at the Conch Harbor Marina. Guest were encouraged to mix and mingle with their fellow cruisers as they enjoyed the poolside specialty cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvers. They were also treated to a spectacular sunset as the soiree continued well into the evening.

The following day everyone was encouraged to take part in a digital scavenger hunt. The participants were split into teams and sent out on electric cars to follow clever four line riddles that would lead them to historic sites where they learn interesting and fun facts about Key West. After deciphering the clues they were given photo challenges which they texted the resultant images to the judges who awarded points for each clue that was solved and challenge met. For some, it was a fun way to explore Key West and for other teams it got very competitive.

In the evening guests were invited to sunset cocktails and dinner on the pier at Ocean Key Resort. The beautiful alfresco venue was imaginatively lit with strands of lights and a canopy of teal paper lanterns. There was a well-attended open bar and the sunset did not disappoint. The dinner featured a carving station with a succulent whole roasted pig and a perfectly braised beef roast. The sated crowd was entertained by Key West Junkanoo dancers who put on quite a show. Later everyone danced the night away with a live band playing an eclectic mix of vintage rock and today’s hits.

Saturday morning Azimut and MarineMax hosted a private brunch at Truman’s Little White House. The structure initially served as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946 it became the winter White House for Harry S. Truman. Later presidents used it as a command post to respond the Cold War threats. It now stands as a living Key West museum and a place for our nation’s leaders to use as a retreat and a place for government business.

On their own for the afternoon, guests explored Key West or rested up for the evenings White Party Azimut/MarineMax Gala. The attire was semi-formal and those attending were encouraged to wear white with comfortable “island-style” dancing shoes. The event was held under the stars at the majestic Earnest Hemingway House. Special hors d’oeuvres and hand rolled cigars started the evening followed by dinner being served. The live band, open bar and plenty of high-end cigars kept people lingering well into the night.

The following morning breakfast was delivered to the boats in authentic Key West baskets filled with croissants, eggs, bagels, fruit and juice. Others appreciated a lavish Oceanside buffet breakfast at the Westin Hotel Pier.

The rest of the day was left open for more exploring and relaxing. At 6 PM the group gathered at the Rum Barrel for a Superbowl Party on the rooftop in the very heart of Old Town Key West. The Patriots made many attending very happy as Tom Brady won his fourth championship. Seahawk fans were openly disappointed by the final play call by Coach Pete Carroll.

The rendezvous ended with many new and old friends exchanging hugs and phone numbers with promises to come back for the 3rd Annual Southernmost Azimut Rendezvous.

MarineMax Getaways!® are special trips and events that give you more ways to get the most from your boat — so you can fully enjoy the boating lifestyle.

MarineMax Getaways! are special events that are designed and run by our stores for our customers, to expand your boating opportunities and to get you out on the water experiencing your boats. Often times going places and doing what you would not try on your own.

Getaways! are exclusive to MarineMax owners and crafted specifically for the each store’s waters and available destinations.
Many Getaways! are annual affairs which customers eagerly anticipate and many are to new destinations or day trips to dockside restaurants, raft-ups or just going to a local sandbar island.

MarineMax Getaways! help answer your desire to do more with your family and friends on your boat and to provide a remarkably enhanced total ownership experience.

For the 100 or so owners and select Boston Whaler employees who took part in the legendary boat brand’s Bimini Rendezvous, it was a fun–filled getaway, packed into four thrilling days. With the occasional Peanut Mahi feeding frenzy thrown in!

The Bimini Rendezvous 2014 kicked off with a party at Mackey’s Sand Bar on Tuesday. Guests mingled with fellow Whaler owners and Boston Whaler staff over hors d’oeuvres and island tunes, and got excited for the days ahead.

The five-day agenda held ample opportunities to explore and unwind, both as planned by Boston Whaler and on their own. Guests took part in the fishing tournament, contests and island games, a themed party and a group boating tour of Bimini. They also discovered fun on their own by strolling the beaches and snorkeling.

The group enjoyed a day of island hopping, with stops along the way for swimming and exploring the reefs. And no one missed the Honeymoon Harbor Party, which included lunch, beach games and leisurely hours on a deserted island. The crew wound down each evening with refreshing cocktails and lively conversation as the sun dipped below the endless blue horizon.

The Bimini Rendezvous was the perfect chance to truly relax, let down your hair – and form boating memories that will last a lifetime.

For Azimut Yachts, the hottest season opens in September. The Italian shipyard is introducing three models for their world debut at the Cannes Boat Show, September 9-14: the Azimut Grande95RPH, Azimut 77S, and Azimut 50 Fly. Three boats which represent the very best, combining that winning combination of Italian style, innovation, and sportiness.

Azimut Grande 95RPH is not only new, it is also number one: it is the first Grande Collection model to be released since joining the Azimut Yachts family. The raised pilothouse, which gives the boat its name, stands out for its truly unique style. The Grande 95RPH features a new hull, new design, and innovative solutions for a vessel with many other surprises in store.

Azimut 77s is the jewel in the S Collection. It has elegant exterior lines and precious detailing in finishes and furnishings. Four units have already been sold in the pre‐launch phase, declaring the new benchmark for sport boats. The yacht embodies beauty and sportiness, further incontrovertible proof of Azimut Yachts- role as “ambassador of Made in Italy boating worldwide”.

The newcomer Azimut 50 Fly is fresh from its June launch. This yacht offers both the harmony of contemporary lines, in keeping with the Azimut family-focused designs, as well as the the most highly advanced technological solutions. While priority goes to the exterior spaces the interiors by Carlo Galeazzi are also designed for total relaxation.

With stylistically perfect lines and innovative technology, the boats Azimut Yachts is unveiling at the Cannes Boat Show 2014 once again highlight the Avigliana boatyard’s commitment to demonstrating Italian manufacturing excellence ‐ both nationally and internationally ‐ by holding up the banner of originality that drives “Made in Italy” to surpass all limits.

A sideswipe from Hurricane Arthur couldn’t dampen spirits when MarineMax, Sea Ray and Suntex Marinas joined forces on July 4 to host the first Patriot Boating Day on behalf of the Folds of Honor Foundation.

The non-profit Folds of Honor Foundation provides educational scholarships and assistance to the families of slain or disabled soldiers. It was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 pilot who served three tours in Iraq.

The venue was New Jersey’s Liberty Landing Marina, where Sea Ray’s brand new L650 Fly was a star attraction during a fun-packed weekend that began on Friday with Jersey City’s Freedom Festival. All day, the MarineMax team welcomed visitors on board the sensational new flagship from Sea Ray, which was winding down a tour of the East Coast with the Patriot Day visit. A 2014 Sundancer 580 was also on show, giving boaters a real sense of the scope of Sea Ray’s luxury range.

Shoreside, the main attraction was the Budweiser Fourth of July Experience, with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales harnessed to the brewery wagon and trotting around the enclosure with Folds of Honor founder Major Rooney as a VIP passenger.

As Arthur’s brooding clouds and drizzling rain gave way to sunshine and afternoon drew into evening, the Budweiser Beer Garden did brisk trade, and country stars Kristen Redmond and Craig Morgan performed some lively sets on the stage backing onto the Hudson River.

Here, the L650 was able to come to aid of army veteran and chart-topping singer Morgan, whose trailer had failed to show up. Instead, the star and his band were invited to relax before and after the show aboard the L650, enjoying Sea Ray’s hospitality.

The evening culminated in the spectacular Budweiser Freedom fireworks display, a glorious sight in a cloudless sky.

On Sunday, Major Dan and his family were guests aboard the L650 for a cruise on the Hudson, enjoying a spectacular sunset from the flybridge of this beautiful cruiser.

MarineMax is a proud supporter of Patriot Boating Days, which encourages boaters to show their love of country and help raise funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation.